AMEDEO MODIGLIANI

Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani is best known for his modern portraits and nudes in his unique, simplified style with elongated forms. He tragically experienced little success while alive, reaping no rewards from suffering through poor health most of his life, but now is considered a great artist of his era. Modigliani was born to Jewish money-changers who made little money and thus led an impoverished life. He was a sickly, homeschooled child. His mother taught his literature, philosophy, and art. Modigliani expressed deep interest in art, developing early, immense talent. His mother arranged for him to study classical painting with a local master, but his ailing health interrupted his studies. He recovered in Italy, where he frequented museums on his better days, passively studying art and helping him develop what would become his own unique style. He died at 35 from a combination of tuberculosis and the effects of self-destructive habits.